Estevao of Chelsea reacts during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Finally, Chelsea fans got their wish against Manchester United. Estevao was handed his first Premier League start of the season, and the Brazilian took full advantage, putting on a ‘masterclass’.
A constant threat off the right flank, Estevao gave Diego Dalot nightmares throughout at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. He had the ball in the back of the net twice, but both goals were disallowed for offside.
The first was definitely offside, but there are suggestions that his second effort – blasting a shot into the top corner – was given as offside. VAR replays claim Estevao was seven centimetres on the wrong side.
READ MORE:What Rogers said when asked if he or Palmer will have more goals and assists
Chelsea make decision on Estevao ahead of January window
Before his first Premier League start for Chelsea this season, the Brazil international might have even been considering his options ahead of January. Estevao has an issue with changing position under Xabi Alonso.
But with Joao Pedro missing, Chelsea needed another attacker on Saturday as Alonso reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation. Pedro Neto initially went up front before moving to the left, while Estevao stayed wide right.
How can Xabi Alonso get Estevao Willian into the side? 🤔 The Brazilian has seen very little action under his new manager…
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
I don't think you guys see what I've been noticing since last season. Whenever João Pedro doesn't play, Chelsea struggle to score even a single goal. Yet, the coach and the board still haven't found a solution to this problem. How long will this continue? Chelsea need to find a way to score goals even when João Pedro is not playing!
If Estee hasn't adjusted to the Prem yet, how come he usually looks the most threatening player when he comes on? Do u think Utd would've kept Best on the bench?
Switch to a back 4, 2 in midfield and Estavao Palmer and Rogers behind JP would be unstopable.
There has been talk Chelsea would reward Estevao with a new contract, thanking him for his patience, and now, Spanish newspaper AS claims a ‘significant pay rise’ is on the horizon for the ex-Palmeiras star.
It is also claimed that any potential exit in the winter window is completely ‘off the table’ after Jamie O’Hara urged him to leave last week, following his snub against Liverpool at Anfield in the Carabao Cup.
Alonso played a blinder when Estevao eventually came off
Estevao could easily have lasted the entire 90 minutes given his lack of game time. But in the 87th minute, with the game already won, Alonso decided to take him off. It was brilliant management from Alonso.
He took the opportunity, in front of the cameras and the Chelsea support, to give Estevao a big hug as he came off. A sign of solidarity, a sign of faith in Estevao, and a sign of togetherness between the duo.
It comes after Alonso admitted Estevao wasn’t particularly happy with his game time. Alonso could have let him finish the game, but the Spaniard opted to show the Stamford Bridge crowd that they are okay.
Clever from Alonso, who now has selection headaches all over the pitch before Chelsea go to Sunderland. Jordan Henderson or Romeo Lavia? Wesley Fofana? If one thing is for sure, he has to start Estevao.